Villar's Homecoming: Elche Secure Loan Deal for Former Academy Star
Gonzalo Villar returns to Elche on loan from Dinamo Zagreb six years after leaving, with the midfielder's arrival announced during halftime of their match against Barcelona.
Former academy graduate Gonzalo Villar makes an emotional return to Elche on loan from Dinamo Zagreb, with the club dramatically announcing his arrival during halftime of their clash with Barcelona.
Surprise Announcement
The 28-year-old midfielder was spotted watching from the director’s box as Elche battled Barcelona, with the scoreboard reading 1-2 to the Catalans at the interval. That’s when the club chose their moment, revealing the loan signing (which includes a purchase option) via the stadium’s video screens to the delight of the home faithful.
Villar’s return provides gaffer Eder Sarabia with a significant boost in midfield, adding creativity, attacking threat and vision to Elche’s engine room. Just what the doctor ordered for a side looking to strengthen their squad.
Prodigal Son Returns
The Murcia-born playmaker’s career has come full circle with this move:
- Developed in Elche’s youth system
- Spent three years at Valencia’s B team
- Returned to Elche after their promotion to Segunda in 2018
- Impressive performances earned him Spain U-21 caps
- Secured a €5 million transfer to Roma in January 2020
Since leaving the Martínez Valero, Villar’s career has been a bit of a whistle-stop tour, with spells at:
- Getafe
- Sampdoria
- Granada
- Dinamo Zagreb
At the Croatian outfit, which he joined last summer, he made 15 appearances across all competitions, contributing one goal and one assist.
More to Come?
Villar becomes Elche’s second January addition following the arrival of Chilean Lucas Cepeda. Word on the Old Kent Road is that Christian Bragarnik’s outfit aren’t done yet, with more transfer activity expected before the window slams shut.
For Elche fans, seeing Villar back in the famous white and green stripes will be a proper Bobby Dazzler of a sight, six years after he departed for the bright lights of Serie A.